Hopefully this email finds you well and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

It’s been too, too long since I’ve written, and I’ve no excuse except work. I like writing but need the solitary hour or two, and I can’t write well when I’m feeling like I should be doing something else. Life is fraught with conflict.

I’ve so many things to share with you and so we’ll begin…

Dream Homes FREE Building Seminar – The Original and Still the Best

Next Wednesday 6/19/19

Our next Free Building & Real Estate Seminar is next Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 at our main office at 314 S Main Street in Forked River. This Seminar is our third one for 2019, and we’ll be serving food, drink and dessert, along with good advice.

Please note that we’ve been holding this seminar for 6 years and it’s still your best choice for useful information and advice on your construction project. If you haven’t ever been to one and are planning a construction project of any type, call 609 693 8881 now to reserve your space.

We’re Building All Over Ocean and Monmouth County Now:

Dream is now active from northern Middletown to Little Egg, throughout Long Beach Island, Beach Haven and Manahawkin, from Island Beach State Park to Manasquan. We’re completing new site built and modular homes, demolitions, renovations, additions and elevations up and down the Jersey shore.

Thank you to all our new clients…and thanks to our existing clients for all the referrals. Your kind words mean everything to us and are why we keep doing what we do.

Time to Get Moving for Fall 2019 Starts – Zoning comment: The clock is definitely ticking for certain new home and elevation projects you want to start in the fall of 2019 and complete by Spring / Summer 2020. Youshould have signed a contract or be signing one imminently, and start actively working on engineering and plans. You should submit your plans to zoning as soon as you can, even while you’re waiting to finalize architectural and engineering, so that clock starts ticking. Zoning can be (is most definitely) a complete, utter pain in the ass in most townships. Berkeley and Lacey aren’t bad and have helpful people, but many, many other towns are dysfunctional and have inexperienced zoning officers. Give them lots of time to approve your zoning permit, because usually Building won’t accept a submission until Zoning signs off.

Unless you’re doing a simple addition or Add-A-Level in A Day project, which can take as little as 1-2 months and doesn’t involve ground up new home construction or elevations, it’s best to start in September / October (ideally no later than year’s end), to ensure that you’re back in for May/June.

If you’re still on the fence and haven’t decided which way to go, how to get started, or want some general advice, call us at 609 693 8881 and we’ll help you get focused and moving forward.

3 offices to serve you –

Dream Homes has a main office in Forked River, a Dream Modular Design Center in Point Pleasant, and our newest showroom location at Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg Harbor. We’ll meet you wherever it’s most convenient for you. Note that Dream is the only public company doing home elevation work in New Jersey, and one of the few to offer complete residential services, whether custom or modular, elevation or renovation. Give us a call at 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 to schedule an appointment.

Change Orders mean Delays: No matter what you think, or what you are told, when you change the scope of work in the middle of a project, it causes delay. Construction is a complex system, which means every item affects at least 2 and usually more other items. Make sure the change you are making is worth it, or that a delay is ok with you. Ask how much additional time this change order will add to your project.

Our Old Frenemy – Cost / Benefit: I hate to be repetitive, and I know it’s boring to some people…and I’ve written about this 2000 times, but many people consistently ignore the cost / benefit equation.

It’s vitally important to recognize and quantify the potential value you are gaining from improvements, versus the cost you are incurring. (I keep including this in the blog, since it applies to everyone and is incredibly helpful.)

My favorites are always decks, kitchens, baths and cosmetic improvements. I don’t like extensive remodeling for the sake of activity (unless it is a hobby for you and you have plenty of money), and unless it includes one of the above categories. Full height elevations, refinishing basements and attics is also useful and cost effective – if you’re creating additional living or recreational space. However, these items must be budgeted so the cost doesn’t exceed the value you create.

Added caution: Sometimes an improvement makes sense if done moderately but makes no sense if overdone or done to excess. An excellent example is installing a $30,000 kitchen, which adds $30,000 in value (plus or minus) or installing an $80,000 kitchen, which adds….$30,460 in value, plus or minus.

Remember – no one but you (probably) cares that much about your costly upgrades. They might not hate them, but it’s probable that they won’t pay you what it cost you for them. Sad but true.

So make sure you really love what you’re doing – and that the enjoyment and improvement to your quality of life are worth the cost. Don’t get obsessed with expensive upgrades.

There is a Zen koan that reads, “It is not our preferences that hurt us, but rather our attachment to them.” Sometimes you just have to let things go that make little sense.

The $1,000,000 Question – Part II –

Which is Better – Custom Modular or Custom Stick Built?

The 3 most commonly asked questions regarding new home construction are: how long will it take, how much will it cost and which is better – stick or modular?

The answer is not as simple or straightforward as you might think. Luckily for you, we offer full service in both methods of construction, so whatever your decision, Dream Homes can help you. Here are a few good rules of thumb for guidance, as well as a few myths that you should be aware of.

Size of the home: Over 3000 square feet, modular can truly be a cost and time saving method. The larger the house or building, the more economies of scale there are, and the greater the potential time and cost savings. A 3000 – 4000 custom stick-built home is generally a 9 – 12 month build, and with a custom modular home of that size you can cut the time by 3 months or so. However, most of our clients are building in the 1800 – 2500 square foot range, and the time comparison is essentially the same. Though you may save a month or so on the construction facet of the project, the planning portion can easily take 1-2 months longer.

Cost: Though it’s a common misconception, modular is not necessarily less expensive with home sizes under 2500 – 3000 square feet. Though the actual modular home may be slightly less expensive, you still need to have it transported, set on a foundation (that you still need to build), install some type of heating and air conditioning system, connect your utilities, build stairs and entries and do sheetrock and final mechanical punch list repair inside. For a 2200 square foot house the cost is almost identical, regardless of whether it is site-built or custom modular.

Time: Total project time is very similar for custom modular and site-built construction, once again for homes under 2500 – 3000 square feet. The difference is that with the modular, there is a greater amount of time spent in the beginning, attempting to get everything correct prior to the house being ordered and built. With a stick-built home, the construction can begin more quickly, but make take a month or two longer. Total project time is very similar.

Quality and exposure to weather, elements and inspections: These 2 items are where modular has a slight edge, since the home is built in a controlled environment and inspected by an inhouse engineer. The construction schedule is not subject to the delays and effects of weather, inspection delays, since the construction is completed inside a building. That being said, the modular “boxes” still have to be stored on site at the factory, transported by truck, stored near the job site and then assembled and made watertight.

Remember: A good builder can make up for any shortcomings in site-built homes and a lousy builder can easily negate any advantages of modular construction. Pay more attention to the builder you choose, than the type of construction. The former is vastly more superior to the latter.

Changes: Here is where site-built construction can be vastly superior. If you are the type of person who wants to make numerous changes as the project progresses, modular is not for you. If you need to see the house being created from the ground up, and have trouble visualizing how things will look, and wish to tweak the house and make changes while construction progresses, modular is most definitely not for you. In this case, you should have a site-built house built.

Hope that helps somewhat. For a more detailed analysis of your specific project, give us a call at 609 693 8881.

You may qualify for a new $50 million program Sandy survivors can tap to finish rebuilding their homes. Funding for the program originates from the 2013 Sandy relief package. Through Gov. Murphy’s program, eligible homeowners can receive funds in the form of a zero-interest, no payment loan that is completely forgiven if the homeowner stays in their home for 15 years. If you move out in 5 years you will only have to pay back the pro-rated portion. This is

a ZERO interest, ZERO payment loan as long as you live in the home. This hasn’t been finalized and passed yet, but it is before Congress. Read about it

Can’t figure out the most efficient, cost-effective method for your project? Let us compare costs and time for custom modular, custom stick frame construction, elevation & renovation, and Add-A-Level. We’ll do that service FREE for you, on a lot that you own, or on a lot of your choice that we’ll buy for you.

Most companies don’t offer a complete selection of residential construction solutions, but we do. Whether that means a new custom modular or stick built home, an elevation, renovation and addition, or Add-A-Level, let us find the right solution for you. At Dream Homes, we don’t sell you what we want to build,we offer to find the right solution for your specific situation.

Seminars and Events:Can’t be there in person? Watch us STREAM SEMINARS LIVE on Facebook.

Next Wednesday, we’ll be joined by Scott Lepley from Adamson, Riva and Lepley Architects. We also stream on Facebook Live. If you can’t be there, watch us online and email questions or comments during the seminar. If you’re planning a new home, elevation or renovation, you should attend. We’ve been offering this free seminar for 6 years, offer tons of helpful information and will help you get started on your project. For this seminar, we’ll also discuss modular homes and our newest offering – Modular Add-A-Level in A Day.

We discuss architectural and engineering design, construction technique, RREM guidance, choosing the right builder and consumer safety cautions, financing your project, and tips about construction, renovation and home elevation in general. We also talk about RREM issues, (the lunacy of) managing your own project, and ways to avoid delays and going over budget. So, mark the date and call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 to reserve your space if you want to attend. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks and dessert will be served. Space is limited so reserve early.

Add A Level in A Day? Is that possible? With 100% financing?

Dream Homes Makes it Possible

Are you out of space? Your family may be growing, but your house isn’t! (unless you’re already one of our clients!). So Don’t Move – Improve!!

If you thought you there was no way you could afford months out of your house to add to your living space, think again. We’ll Add-A-Level in A Day and often you’ll be back in your house in less than 2 weeks. Dream Homes’ newest service is revolutionizing 2nd floor additions.

Thought it was too expensive? It’s not.

We’ll add a second floor to your home, and include up to 3 bedrooms and a full bath, for as low as $99,880! (<500 square feet).

For a 960 square foot ranch, the complete package, including up to 3 bedrooms, a full bath, stairs from below, all carpentry, plumbing & electric, and all engineering and architecture, will cost you $165,300.

With monthly payments as low as $428 a month, you can add up to 3 bedrooms and a full bath, BE SAFE FROM WEATHER IN 1 DAY and COMPLETE in 2 weeks! We stand behind that crazy offer and we don’t know anyone else who can make that claim.

How can we do that? We’re just better than everyone else. We’ve come up with some very innovative techniques and solutions that are effective, inexpensive and very time sensitive.

Call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 today. Let us show you how we can help you Add A Level in A Day, Get Spaceand Grow Your House…😊😊

Building costs have increased, for the fourth year in a row – Steel has increased 42% year to year – and lumber prices have increased almost 11% in the last year (the new Canada tariffs were a big part of that)

So, if you’ve quoted a foundation a year ago and waited until now, the steel in the foundation alone may cost $500 – $1500 more. A 1200 square foot house lumber package has increased by $1600. Skilled labor has become more difficult to find and keep, although that’s getting slightly better. Keep these items in mind when you are finalizing your project costs and estimates.

If you have an estimate that is a year old, expect that the project estimate may increase slightly (3%-4%).

Moral of the Story: Material costs have increased throughout 2019. If you’re planning a project, try and secure fixed pricing now, or as soon as you can.

Design & Hiring Your Own Architect: The design & architectural fees are usually itemized separately and are (for us) a pass-through cost (which means you don’t pay an extra margin which was added to the fee). In other words, we oversee the entire design process and it costs our clients the same amount (usually much less) of money than if the homeowner deals with the architect directly. This also results in significant savings in both construction design and redesign fees. Remember – the personwho is going to build theproject should be involved in the design from inception, so best practices can be designed in from the start. Author’s note from 2018: We successfully completed 46 projects in 2018, and 6 of them were with plans that the homeowner produced prior to retaining us. In all 6 projects, the plans and the scope of work had to be modified, the architecture and engineering cost was higher than we charge for the same work, and there were significant delays in each project.

Moral of the Story and a Word to the Wise – for a new home, elevation or significant renovation, unless you really know what you’re doing and are going to oversee and build the project yourself, let your builder/general contractor provide you with a design/build package. It will save you time, money, grief and probably your marriage.

Can You Save Money on Your Project??

Note that your general contractor does not have to do all the work on your project – you can do as much or as little as you wish (with certain exceptions). Painting, spackle and interior trim are items we regularly encourage homeowners to do themselves if funds are tight. Even insulation and sheetrock and light demolition of existing decks can be done as well. Regardless of what a builder or contractor may tell you, you can do items yourself if you’re handy and are willing to invest sweat equity to save money.

The reality is that someone has to do the items in your scope of work – so why not have that person be you? Can it save you real money? Are you doing anything more valuable with your time??

Thinking of going Modular? Dream Homes can help

Dream Homes just added even more depth to our modular home capabilities with the addition of Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg Harbor. Premier Modular just joined the Dream Homes family in October and this is a really exciting development. With a full design center, office and construction space, we’ll be able to better serve our clients in Long Beach Island, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin and the entire Southern Ocean County area.

We’re proud to carry on the Premier Modular Homes tradition of modular construction excellence. Thank you to over 300 satisfied clients – we’re honored to continue the 20 year tradition!

Dream Homes – Awarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 & 2018 in the Asbury Park Press Reader’s Choice Contest. That’s something we’re very proud of, but we’re even more proud that we’ve recently passed the milestone of 300 completed elevation/renovation projects since Storm Sandy. Dream looks forward to continuing to help our friends throughout New Jersey build & rebuild in the months and years ahead. Thanks to all the clients and friends who voted for us in that survey – last year and this year!

RREM News: Supplemental Funding:

Welcome to our New Clients and Thanks to everyone for the referrals!

Thank you to all of our clients and friends for trusting us with your homes. We’ve received numerous referrals from our clients and trade partners in the last few weeks. In any business, sincere referrals are the life blood. In building and construction, personal referrals are even more crucial, since they involve one’s most valuable possession. At Dream Homes, we value that trust, and take our responsibilities very seriously.

As a reminder, being affected by another storm or hurricane is why people all over the world are elevating their homes. It’s not a question of if another storm will happen, but when it will occur. More people at the shore are just now realizing the need to retain a home improvement contractor or a new home builder registered or licensed in NJ to elevate or rebuild their homes. One of the most sobering recent statistics is that for the first time in history 2 separate Category 5 hurricanes hit the US mainland within one year (2017). To ignore this trend is foolish. One must accept that the fundamental choice is to move inland, away from the most probable path of hurricanes or to address the need to elevate your house at least 3’ above the base flood level in your area. 3’ above base flood also offers you the lowest available flood insurance rates.

Finally, by being proactive and elevating before an event, you insure that your home is always ready to either sell or mortgage, if you need to do either. Without being at the correct elevation, you’re going to take a $100,000 discount when you sell, and high flood insurance rates make it harder to finance or refinance your house.

RREM Grant – Use it or Lose it – Revocation due to Inaction & ICC Deadline – October 29, 2019

If you have a RREM grant and haven’t chosen a builder and signed a contract or otherwise signed a contract, you should do so – or risk losing your grant. That’s a reality.

RREM News – We know homeowners are having RREM grants revoked due to inaction. If you’ve been awarded a grant and haven’t done anything for a long time (1-2 years), eventually you’re going to lose your grant.

One very smart choice you can make if you haven’t started your RREM project yet or chosen a builder, is to make sure you choose someone who is very familiar with RREM and RREM paperwork.

We are experts at RREM paperwork and can save you countless hours during your project and afterward until you are completely closed out. We’ve completed over 300 elevation and new home projects since Sandy, and 65% of them were RREM.

Zoning issues – Building anywhere in NJ? Beware!! In general, zoning officers can be difficult to deal with, and the experience is complicated by interpretation of codes and subtle nuances between townships. Many zoning officers we’ve dealt with in NJ don’t have a clue what they’re doing since Storm Sandy changed the playing field. Sad but true.

“Pre-existing, non-conforming condition” is exactly like it sounds – a condition that was approved years (or decades) ago which doesn’t meet current zoning requirements. A general rule of thumb is that if you don’t remove the item (house, deck, etc.) and you are doing an elevation project to meet new flood codes, you are ok.

For a good discussion and the remainder of this article on “pre-existing, non-conforming” conditions, see the 2/3/18 blog. Or come to our next FREE Building Seminar.

Please Note: This subject is complex, often much more than it appears. For assistance and consultation, call us at 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619.

Dream Homes Products & Services – Did You Know We Offer all these services?

New Custom Site built and Modular Homes – Elevations and House Moves – Modular Add-A-Level in A Day – Interior and Exterior Renovations & Additions – Kitchens & Baths – Roofing, Siding and Windows – Decks and railings – Masonry and Pavers – Engineering, Variance applications and Land Use – Permitting, Surveying and Project Management – Land Development and Approvals.

Though we’re known more for new homes and elevation projects than kitchens and baths, we also do quite a bit of remodeling. An excellent place for you to start is at our Custom Modular, Kitchen & Bath design studio at 2109 Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, with complete kitchen layouts, flooring selections and our own in-house modular home design studio. Since we’ve designed and built over 1800 new homes since 1993, we are well equipped to accommodate your remodeling needs, from the simple to the most complex. Call 609 693 8881 to schedule an appointment or just stop by. You’re invited to visit us and see what we have – hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 – 2, closed on Tuesday, with other hours by appointment.

Dream Homes FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) Partial Repeat

We have a great FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on our web site. Click on www.dreamhomesltd.com and FAQs on the Home Page. Read what you can expect when you choose Dream Homes as your builder – and what we feel you deserve.

Solar Power at Home –More Info and link: For the full story check the 10/29/17 blog, and here is the link.

Dream Homes & Development Corporation – About us: Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCOB: Ticker DREM) is a publicly traded, fully reporting (audited) company and is one of the region’s most trusted new home builder and home improvement contractors. Dream Homes wasawarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 and 2018 by the Asbury Park Press. Dream Homes is growing, improving our operations and service and adding new members to our team to better serve you. You can view financials on our web site at www.dreamhomesltd.com. Click on the SEC tab at the bottom of the page for information. Our ticker symbol is DREM.

Dream Homes has a main office in Forked River a Jersey Dream Modular Design Center in Point Pleasant, and now our newest showroom location at Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg. We’re the only public company doing home elevation work in New Jersey, and one of the few to offer complete residential services, whether custom or modular, elevation or renovation.

You can view all the information about us online and if you like us and believe in what we’re doing, we would love to have you as shareholders. For more information and an information package, contact Matt Chipman, our investor relations person. Matt can be reached at (818) 923-5302, (310) 709-5646 or matt@GreenChipIR.com. You can view our operational results and financials at any time on our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com or at www.sec.gov.

Mission Statement and Comment: At Dream Homes, we’re the region’s most trusted builder and we’ll help you when no one else will. We regularly handle messy and unpleasant real estate, construction and renovation situations. We do the elevation, renovation and new home projects that few other people can do, and help people finish and get back in their homes. If you’re stuck and can’t figure out how to proceed, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.

At Dream Homes, we believe that taking on difficult unpopular projects is part of the social contract we have with the community and the Jersey Shore. We’ve never abandoned a client or failed to finish a project – we feel very strongly that it is our obligation to help people in need.

Insulation & Wall Thickness – How Much Is Needed and What’s Involved? See the blog of 11/18/17 for useful information on Insulation technique, wall thicknesses & energy efficiency

Siding, Trim and other Exterior Finishes: See the blog of 8/26/17 for useful information on choices for siding, trim and other finishes.

New Beach Bungalow on your lot from $89,800!!This model is perfect for many small lots in the shore area including Ocean Beach, Lavallette, Ortley and South Seaside Park.

Seaview and Bayview Models: From $149,000 including demolition. These homes are 2-3 bedrooms and 2 baths and suitable for 40-60 foot wide lots. Call 609 693 8881 for details.

Is your home improvement contractor or new home builders willing to provide a turn-key project? This business is messy, requires diverse skill sets and deep administrative support and places all responsibility for everything directly on the builder’s shoulders. Dream Homes regularly perform turn-key renovation and design build projects and will remain as one of the best, solid companies in the years to come. This matters to you because if a company isn’t committed to being in the line of work for which you are contracting, they will not support it correctly during and after the project. That means less resources (personnel and otherwise) devoted to your project. We’re committed to the residential construction business in all forms, whether it be new homes, elevation /renovations, or Add-A-Level, we improve every single day – our commitment to provide additional, better resources to our clients is ongoing.

Moral of the story: Avoid working with any company not committed to the type of project you are undertaking. Ask to see current active projects or those being started.

Need to Phone a Friend? Need a Rescue? Scheduling for Priority projects – If you’re stuck in a stalled project for whatever reason (contractor in jail or indicted, bankrupt, lazy, inept, no money, etc.) we’ll help you with a prompt evaluation of your situation. We do consultation and estimates immediately for projects that are stuck. It doesn’t change what happened to you in the past, but at least you’ll know how to get back on track, without chasing someone for a month to get an initial meeting and written estimate. As a note, often we’re the only company willing to finish projects that have been abandoned.

Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esquire – Consumer Protection: Kathleen is a workers’ compensation and disability attorney in Toms River and speaks regularly at our Rebuilding Seminar. Kathy gives an excellent presentation about consumer protection that will save you money and grief. (Next one is Wednesday, November 14th, 2018). Email Kathy at kmdotoli611@aol.com or call her office at 732 228 7534 for a copy of her seminar presentation or see her at our seminar.

Print the FEMA guide below so you have it: You probably won’t, but that’s ok. I’ll feel better just having warned you.

Remember – if you have a specific question, send me an email or a text. Don’t wait for a seminar or a site visit to clarify a point. Whether you are a Dream Homes client or not, I’ll always try and help you or guide you in the right direction. If you’ve sent an email or left a voice mail and haven’t received a response, try and contact me again. Messages are lost occasionally.

Note to All: Though I write this blog and host the Building seminars to help guide homeowners through the maze that is any construction project, Dream Homes does all the work that I write about. Dream Homes & Development Corp. and Dream Building LLC are new home builders and general contractors who are actively renovating and reconstructing projects up and down the shore. We supervise and manage elevation projects & house moves, demolish and build new homes, and develop and build entire new neighborhoods. In the past 25 years, we’ve completed over 1650 new homes, 300 + elevation & renovation projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial buildings. Over 40 of our elevation projects have been rescue projects, where we came in to save a homeowner when someone else left. Dream builds new homes, demolishes existing damaged homes, elevates and move homes, complete additions and renovations and rescues homeowners when their other contractors abandon them. We work with private clients as well as Path B clients in the RREM program. Call, text or email to set up an appointment for a free estimate on your rebuilding project.

That’s all for today friends. I hope my words help you move forward. As always, call or write with any questions.

Call us to attend our next Building & Real Estate Seminar, which is scheduled for Wednesday January 19, 2019 at our main office at 314 S. Main Street (Route 9) in Forked River. We’ll talk about design, architectural, and construction advice for your new home project or renovation. Call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 for reservations. Food and refreshments will be served.

Please refer us to anyone you think we might be able to help. We hold a Building Seminar every other month and write a helpful Rebuilding Blog. Ask about our referral program.

Hopefully this email finds you well and inside, out of the frigid weather.

Dream Homes FREE Building Seminar – The Original and Still the Best…This Wednesday 1/16/19

Our next Free Building & Real Estate Seminar is this Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 at our main office at 314 S Main Street in Forked River. This Seminar is our first one for 2019, and the first ever in our main office, so we’ll be serving food, drink and dessert. We’ve been holding this seminar for 6 years and it’s still your best choice for useful information and advice on your construction project. If you haven’t ever been to one and are planning a construction project of any type, call 609 693 8881 now to reserve your space.

Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to get started this year on your construction project? Whether it’s to Add A Level to your house for extra space for your growing family, build a new modular or site-built home, or elevate and renovate your existing home, we can help you get started in the right direction for your 2019 project. More information below.

Tempus fugit! Andiamo! Allegro! (that means Time is Fleeting, in Latin, Let’s go in Spanish and Quickly, Quickly in Italian”): Time is definitely running out for certain new home and elevation projects you want to have completed by Spring / Summer 2019 unless you have signed a contract and are actively working on engineering and plans. Ideally, you have your plans submitted already, or are submitting very soon. NEWSFLASH: with our new Add-A-Level in A Day, you could start as late as April and have you back in for May. If you’re still on the fence and haven’t decided which way to go, or how to get started, call us at 609 693 8881 and we’ll help you get focused and moving forward.

This is easily the most often asked question regarding new home construction, along with how long will the project take and how much will it cost. Unfortunately, the answer is not as simple or straightforward as one might wish. Luckily for you, we offer full service in both methods of construction, so whatever your decision, Dream Homes can help you. Here are a few good rules of thumb for guidance, as well as a few myths that you should be aware of.

Size of the home: For homes over 3000 square feet, modular can truly be a cost and time saving method. The larger the house or building, the more economies of scale there are, and the greater the potential time and cost savings. A 3000 – 4000 custom stick built home is generally a 9 – 12 month build, and with a custom modular home of that size you can cut the time by 3 months or so. However, most of our clients are building in the 1800 – 2500 square foot range, and the time comparison is essentially the same. Though you may save a month or so on the construction facet of the project, the planning portion can easily take 1-2 months longer.

Cost: Though it’s a common belief, modular is not necessarily less expensive with home sizes under 2500 – 3000 square feet. Though the actual modular home may be slightly less expensive, you still need to have it transported, set on a foundation (that you still need to build), install some type of heating and air conditioning system, connect your utilities, build stairs and entries and do sheetrock and final punch list repair inside. For a 2200 square foot house the cost is almost identical, regardless of whether it is site-built or custom modular.

Time: Total project time is very similar for custom modular and site-built construction, once again for homes under 2500 – 3000 square feet. The difference is that with the modular, there is a greater amount of time spent in the beginning, attempting to get everything correct prior to the house being ordered and built. With a stick-built home, the construction can begin more quickly, but make take a month or two longer. Total project time is very similar.

Quality and exposure to weather and the elements: Here is where modular has a slight edge, since the home is built in a controlled environment. One is not subject to the delays and effects of weather since the construction is completed inside a building. That being said, the modular “boxes” still have to be stored on site at the factory, transported by truck, stored near the job site and then assembled and made watertight. A good builder can make up for any shortcomings in site-built homes and a lousy builder can easily negate any advantages of modular construction.

Changes: Here is where site-built construction can be vastly superior. If you are the type of person who wants to make numerous changes as the project progresses, modular is not for you. If you need to see the house being created from the ground up, and have trouble visualizing how things will look, and wish to tweak the house and make changes while construction progresses, modular is most definitely not for you. In this case, you should have a site-built house built.

Hope that helps somewhat. For a more detailed analysis of your specific project, give us a call at 609 693 8881.

NEED MORE MONEY TO FINISH YOUR SANDY RREM PROJECT?

You may qualify for a new $50 million program Sandy survivors can tap to finish rebuilding their homes. Funding for the program originates from the 2013 Sandy relief package. Through Gov. Murphy’s program, eligible homeowners can receive funds in the form of a zero-interest, no payment loan that is completely forgiven if the homeowner stays in their home for 15 years. If you move out in 5 years you will only have to pay back the pro-rated portion. This is a ZERO interest, ZERO payment loan as long as you live in the home. This hasn’t been finalized and passed yet, but it is before Congress. Read about it

Can’t figure out the most efficient, cost-effective method for your project? Let us compare costs and time for custom modular, custom stick frame construction, elevation & renovation, and Add-A-Level. We’ll do that service FREE for you, on a lot that you own, or on a lot of your choice that we’ll buy for you.

Most companies don’t offer a complete selection of residential construction solutions, but we do. Whether that means a new custom modular or stick built home, an elevation, renovation and addition, or Add-A-Level, let us find the right solution for you. At Dream Homes, we don’t sell you what we want to build,we offer to find the right solution for your specific situation.

Seminars and Events:Can’t be there in person? Watch us STREAM SEMINARS LIVE on Facebook.

This Wednesday, we’ll be joined by Kathleen Dotoli, Esquire, Robert Obsuth from Wells Fargo, and Scott Lepley from Adamson, Riva and Lepley Architects. We also stream on Facebook Live. If you can’t be there, watch us online and email questions or comments during the seminar. If you’re planning a new home, elevation or renovation, you should attend. We’ve been offering this free seminar for 6 years, offer tons of helpful information and will help you get started on your project. For this seminar, we’ll also discuss modular homes and our newest offering – Modular Add-A-Level in A Day. We’ll have some excellent new Wells Fargo financing solutions for you as well.

We discuss architectural and engineering design, construction technique, RREM guidance, choosing the right builder and consumer safety cautions, financing your project, and tips about construction, renovation and home elevation in general. We also talk about RREM issues, (the lunacy of) managing your own project, and ways to avoid delays and going over budget. So, mark the date and call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 to reserve your space if you want to attend. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks and dessert will be served. Space is limited so reserve early.

Save the dates and come meet the Dream Team. Join us for giveaways and specific advice on your project. Get a solid start for your 2019 project.

Add A Level in A Day? Is that possible? With 100% financing?

Dream Homes Makes it Possible

Are you out of space? Your family may be growing, but your house isn’t! (unless you’re already one of our clients!). So Don’t Move – Improve!!

If you thought you there was no way you could afford months out of your house to add to your living space, think again. We’ll Add-A-Level in A Day and often you’ll be back in your house in less than 2 weeks. Dream Homes’ newest service is going to revolutionize 2nd floor additions.

Thought it was too expensive? It’s not.

We’ll add a second floor to your home, and include up to 3 bedrooms and a full bath, for as low as $99,880! (<500 square feet).

For a 960 square foot ranch, the complete package, including up to 3 bedrooms, a full bath, stairs from below, all carpentry, plumbing & electric, and all engineering and architecture, will cost you $165,300.

With monthly payments as low as $428 a month, you can add up to 3 bedrooms and a full bath, BE SAFE FROM WEATHER IN 1 DAY and COMPLETE in 2 weeks! We stand behind that crazy offer and we don’t know anyone else who can make that claim.

How can we do that? We’re just better than everyone else. We’ve come up with some very innovative techniques and solutions that are effective, inexpensive and very time sensitive.

Call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 today. Let us show you how we can help you Add A Level in A Day, Get Spaceand Grow Your House…😊😊

Building costs increased, for the third year in a row – Steel has increased 50% year to year – Lumber prices have increased 8% since the new Canada tariffs If you’ve quoted a foundation a year ago and waited until now, the steel in the foundation alone may be $500 – $1500 more. A 1200 square foot house lumber package has increased by $1400. Skilled labor has become more difficult to find and keep, although that’s getting slightly better. Keep these items in mind when you are finalizing your project costs and estimates. If you have an estimate that is a year old, expect that the project estimate may increase slightly (3%-4%). Another caution: Material costs have increased throughout 2018 and will continue into 2019. If you’re planning a project, try and secure fixed pricing now, or as soon as you can.

Design & Hiring Your Own Architect: The design & architectural fees are usually itemized separately and are (for us) a pass-through cost (which means you don’t pay an extra margin which was added to the fee). In other words, we oversee the entire design process and it costs our clients the same amount (usually much less) of money than if the homeowner deals with the architect directly. This also results in significant savings in both construction design and redesign fees. Remember – the personwho is going to build theproject should be involved in the design from inception, so best practices can be designed in from the start. Author’s note from 2018: We successfully completed 46 projects in 2018, and 6 of them were with plans that the homeowner produced prior to retaining us. In all 6 projects, the plans and the scope of work had to be modified, the architecture and engineering cost was higher than we charge for the same work, and there were significant delays in each project.

Moral of the Story and a Word to the Wise – for a new home, elevation or significant renovation, unless you really know what you’re doing and are going to oversee and build the project yourself, let your builder/general contractor provide you with a design/build package. It will save you time, money, grief and probably your marriage.

How to Save Money on Your Project

Smart consumers are aware that your general contractordoes not have to do all the work on your project – you can do as much or as little as you wish (with certain exceptions). Painting, spackle and interior trim are items we regularly encourage homeowners to do themselves if funds are tight. Even insulation and sheetrock and any light demolition of existing decks can be done as well. Regardless of what a builder or contractor may tell you, you can do items yourself if you are handy and would like to invest some sweat equity and save money. Someone is going to do the items in your scope of work – consider whether it can be you and save yourself some money.

Thinking of going Modular? Dream Homes can help

Dream Homes just added even more depth to our modular home capabilities with the addition of Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg Harbor. Premier Modular just joined the Dream Homes family in October and this is a really exciting development. With a full design center, office and construction space, we’ll be able to better serve our clients in Long Beach Island, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin and the entire Southern Ocean County area. We’re proud – and honored – to carry on the Premier Modular Homes tradition of modular construction excellence.

Dream Homes – Awarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 & 2018 in the Asbury Park Press Reader’s Choice Contest. That’s something we’re very proud of, but we’re even more proud that we’ve recently passed the milestone of 300 completed elevation/renovation projects since Storm Sandy. Dream looks forward to continuing to help our friends throughout New Jersey build & rebuild in the months and years ahead. Thanks to all the clients and friends who voted for us in that survey – last year and this year!

RREM News: Are Clawbacks a thing of the past? According to the word on the street, the whisper mill, and Governor Murphy, the Department of Community Affairs and the RREM program have decided to end the dreaded Clawback process. As of this date, this has not been put in writing, though Governor Murphy stated it on 10/30/18. You can read the full story below.

This means that if this change is approved, RREM grant recipients would not be subject to the risk that a portion of their grant would be “clawed back” and they would be made to repay money that had already been received. Assuming the funds were in fact used for the improvement of the house, and more specifically to address needed additions to the scope of work, this is a very positive development. Many people who are currently subject to this potential risk, or who have already been notified of this possibility, can breathe a sigh of relief. We’ll see, and we’ll keep you posted.

Thank you to all of our clients and friends for trusting us with your homes. Since the APP Best of the Best Awards came out, and we started offering our fixed price, Add-A-Level in A Day, we’ve received numerous referrals from our clients and trade partners in the last few weeks. In any business, sincere referrals are the life blood. In building and construction, personal referrals are even more crucial, since they involve one’s most valuable possession. At Dream Homes, we value that trust, and take our responsibilities very seriously.

As a reminder, being affected by another storm or hurricane is why people all over the world are elevating their homes. It’s not a question of if another storm will happen, but when it will occur. More people at the shore are just now realizing the need to retain a home improvement contractor or a new home builder registered or licensed in NJ to elevate or rebuild their homes. One of the most sobering recent statistics is that for the first time in history 2 separate Category 5 hurricanes hit the US mainland within one year (2017). To ignore this trend is foolish. One must accept that the fundamental choice is to move inland, away from the most probable path of hurricanes or to address the need to elevate your house at least 3’ above the base flood level in your area. 3’ above base flood also offers you the lowest available flood insurance rates.

Finally, by being proactive and elevating before an event, you insure that your home is always ready to either sell or mortgage, if you need to do either. Without being at the correct elevation, you’re going to take a $100,000 discount when you sell, and high flood insurance rates make it harder to finance or refinance your house.

Print the FEMA guide below so you have it, but here are a few simple items you can do or collect include to be ready for a power outage: a go-bag (with medicine, money, ID and valuables), candles and matches, batteries, water, removing all loose items from outside, getting gas in your car (and for your generator), making sure you have non-perishable food for 1-2 weeks, know your evacuation route, think about your pets, and get out if they tell you to leave.

RREM Grant – Use it or Lose it – Revocation due to Inaction & ICC Deadline – October 29, 2019

If you have a RREM grant and haven’t chosen a builder and signed a contract or otherwise signed a contract, you should do so – or risk losing your grant. That’s a reality.

RREM News – We know homeowners are having RREM grants revoked due to inaction. If you’ve been awarded a grant and haven’t done anything for a long time (1-2 years), eventually you’re going to lose your grant. You must make some type of progress – hire a contractor, or if not, at least engage an architect or engineer. This is a really important step to demonstrate that you are proceeding. If you’re in this category, call us at 609 693 8881 and we’ll help you get focused and moving forward.

One very smart choice you can make if you haven’t started your RREM project yet or chosen a builder, is to make sure you choose someone who is very familiar with RREM and RREM paperwork.

We are experts at RREM paperwork and can save you countless hours during your project and afterward until you are completely closed out. we’ve completed over 300 elevation and new home projects since Sandy, and 65% of them were RREM.

Disturbingly and to make things more difficult for RREM folks, recently there’s been a wholesale changeover in RREM project managers across the board. Now the DCA is administering the balance of the RREM program. There is much pressure to close old files, or revoke those that have been awarded but not started.

Our Old Frenemy – Cost / Benefit: I hate to be repetitive, and I know it’s boring to some people…and I’ve written about this 2000 times, but many people consistently ignore the cost benefit equation. It’s vitally important to recognize and quantify the potential value you are gaining from improvements, versus the cost you are incurring. (I hate to keep including this in the blog, but it applies to everyone and is incredibly helpful. So, I keep repeating it).

My favorites are always decks, kitchens, baths and cosmetic improvements. I don’t like extensive remodeling for the sake of activity (unless it is a hobby for you and you have plenty of money), unless it includes one of the above categories. Refinishing basements and attics is also useful and cost effective – if you’re creating additional living or recreational space. However, these items must be budgeted so the cost doesn’t exceed the value you create.

Added caution: Sometimes an improvement makes sense if done moderately but makes no sense if overdone or done to excess.

An excellent example is installing a $30,000 kitchen, which adds $30,000 in value (plus or minus) or installing an $80,000 kitchen, which adds….$30,460 in value, plus or minus.

Remember – no one but you cares about your costly upgrades. Sad but true.

Make sure you really love what you’re doing – and that the enjoyment and improvement to your quality of life are worth the cost.

There is a Zen koan that reads, “It is not our preferences that hurt us, but rather our attachment to them.” Sometimes you just have to let things go that make little sense.

Zoning issues – Building anywhere in NJ? Beware!! In general, zoning officers can be difficult to deal with, and the experience is complicated by interpretation of codes and subtle nuances between townships. Many zoning officers we’ve dealt with in NJ don’t have a clue what they’re doing since Storm Sandy changed the playing field. Sad but true.

“Pre-existing, non-conforming condition” is exactly like it sounds – a condition that was approved years (or decades) ago which doesn’t meet current zoning requirements. A general rule of thumb is that if you don’t remove the item (house, deck, etc.) and you are doing an elevation project to meet new flood codes, you are ok.

For a good discussion and the remainder of this article on “pre-existing, non-conforming” conditions, see the 2/3/18 blog. Or come to our next FREE Building Seminar.

Please Note: This subject is complex, often much more than it appears. For assistance and consultation, call us at 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619.

Dream Homes Products & Services – Did You Know We Offer all these services?

New Custom Site built and Modular Homes – Elevations and House Moves – Modular Add-A-Level in A Day – Interior and Exterior Renovations & Additions – Kitchens & Baths – Roofing, Siding and Windows – Decks and railings – Masonry and Pavers – Engineering, Variance applications and Land Use – Permitting, Surveying and Project Management – Land Development and Approvals.

Though we’re known more for new homes and elevation projects than kitchens and baths, we also do quite a bit of remodeling. An excellent place for you to start is at our Custom Modular, Kitchen & Bath design studio at 2109 Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, with complete kitchen layouts, flooring selections and our own in-house modular home design studio. Since we’ve designed and built over 1800 new homes since 1993, we are well equipped to accommodate your remodeling needs, from the simple to the most complex. Call 609 693 8881 to schedule an appointment or just stop by. You’re invited to visit us and see what we have – hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 – 2, closed on Tuesday, with other hours by appointment.

Dream Homes FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) Partial Repeat

We have a great FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on our web site. Click on www.dreamhomesltd.com and FAQs on the Home Page. Read what you can expect when you choose Dream Homes as your builder – and what we feel you deserve.

Solar Power at Home –More Info and link: For the full story check the 10/29/17 blog, and here is the link.

Dream Homes & Development Corporation – About us: Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCOB: Ticker DREM) is a publicly traded, fully reporting (audited) company and is one of the region’s most trusted new home builder and home improvement contractors. Dream Homes wasawarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 and 2018 by the Asbury Park Press. Dream Homes is growing, improving our operations and service and adding new members to our team to better serve you. You can view financials on our web site at www.dreamhomesltd.com. Click on the SEC tab at the bottom of the page for information. Our ticker symbol is DREM.

Dream Homes has a main office in Forked River a Jersey Dream Modular Design Center in Point Pleasant, and now our newest showroom location at Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg. We’re the only public company doing home elevation work in New Jersey, and one of the few to offer complete residential services, whether custom or modular, elevation or renovation.

You can view all the information about us online and if you like us and believe in what we’re doing, we would love to have you as shareholders. For more information and an information package, contact Matt Chipman, our investor relations person. Matt can be reached at (818) 923-5302, (310) 709-5646 or matt@GreenChipIR.com. You can view our operational results and financials at any time on our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com or at www.sec.gov.

Mission Statement and Comment: At Dream Homes, we’re the region’s most trusted builder and we’ll help you when no one else will. We regularly handle messy and unpleasant real estate, construction and renovation situations. We do the elevation, renovation and new home projects that few other people can do, and help people finish and get back in their homes. If you’re stuck and can’t figure out how to proceed, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.

At Dream Homes, we believe that taking on difficult unpopular projects is part of the social contract we have with the community and the Jersey Shore. We’ve never abandoned a client or failed to finish a project – we feel very strongly that it is our obligation to help people in need.

Insulation & Wall Thickness – How Much Is Needed and What’s Involved? See the blog of 11/18/17 for useful information on Insulation technique, wall thicknesses & energy efficiency

Siding, Trim and other Exterior Finishes: See the blog of 8/26/17 for useful information on choices for siding, trim and other finishes.

New Beach Bungalow on your lot from $89,800!!This model is perfect for many small lots in the shore area including Ocean Beach, Lavallette, Ortley and South Seaside Park.

Seaview and Bayview Models: From $149,000 including demolition. These homes are 2-3 bedrooms and 2 baths and suitable for 40-60 foot wide lots. Call 609 693 8881 for details.

Is your home improvement contractor or new home builders willing to provide a turn-key project? This business is messy, requires diverse skill sets and deep administrative support and places all responsibility for everything directly on the builder’s shoulders. Dream Homes regularly perform turn-key renovation and design build projects and will remain as one of the best, solid companies in the years to come. This matters to you because if a company isn’t committed to being in the line of work for which you are contracting, they will not support it correctly during and after the project. That means less resources (personnel and otherwise) devoted to your project. We’re committed to the residential construction business in all forms, whether it be new homes, elevation /renovations, or Add-A-Level, we improve every single day – our commitment to provide additional, better resources to our clients is ongoing.

Moral of the story: Avoid working with any company not committed to the type of project you are undertaking. Ask to see current active projects or those being started.

Need to Phone a Friend? Need a Rescue? Scheduling for Priority projects – If you’re stuck in a stalled project for whatever reason (contractor in jail or indicted, bankrupt, lazy, inept, no money, etc.) we’ll help you with a prompt evaluation of your situation. We do consultation and estimates immediately for projects that are stuck. It doesn’t change what happened to you in the past, but at least you’ll know how to get back on track, without chasing someone for a month to get an initial meeting and written estimate. As a note, often we’re the only company willing to finish projects that have been abandoned.

Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esquire – Consumer Protection: Kathleen is a workers’ compensation and disability attorney in Toms River and speaks regularly at our Rebuilding Seminar. Kathy gives an excellent presentation about consumer protection that will save you money and grief. (Next one is Wednesday, November 14th, 2018). Email Kathy at kmdotoli611@aol.com or call her office at 732 228 7534 for a copy of her seminar presentation or see her at our seminar.

Remember – if you have a specific question, send me an email or a text. Don’t wait for a seminar or a site visit to clarify a point. Whether you are a Dream Homes client or not, I’ll always try and help you or guide you in the right direction. If you’ve sent an email or left a voice mail and haven’t received a response, try and contact me again. Messages are lost occasionally.

Note to All: Though I write this blog and host the Building seminars to help guide homeowners through the maze that is any construction project, Dream Homes does all the work that I write about. Dream Homes & Development Corp. and Dream Building LLC are new home builders and general contractors who are actively renovating and reconstructing projects up and down the shore. We supervise and manage elevation projects & house moves, demolish and build new homes, and develop and build entire new neighborhoods. In the past 25 years, we’ve completed over 1650 new homes, 300 + elevation & renovation projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial buildings. Over 40 of our elevation projects have been rescue projects, where we came in to save a homeowner when someone else left. Dream builds new homes, demolishes existing damaged homes, elevates and move homes, complete additions and renovations and rescues homeowners when their other contractors abandon them. We work with private clients as well as Path B clients in the RREM program. Call, text or email to set up an appointment for a free estimate on your rebuilding project.

That’s all for today friends. I hope my words help you move forward. As always, call or write with any questions.

Call us to attend our next Building & Real Estate Seminar, which is scheduled for Wednesday January 16, 2019 at our main office at 314 S. Main Street (Route 9) in Forked River. We’ll talk about design, architectural, and construction advice for your new home project or renovation. Call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 for reservations. Food and refreshments will be served.

Please refer us to anyone you think we might be able to help. We hold a Building Seminar every other month and write a helpful Rebuilding Blog. Ask about our referral program.

It’s been almost a month since I’ve written, and a lot of interesting things have happened. I’ll try and keep new topics and length to a minimum but will probably fall short in that area. I have a lot of stuff in my brain….so let us begin…beware all ye who enter here, for truth will dump like a storm upon your head…😊😊

First, we’re very proud to announce that we’ve acquired Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg Harbor, which is now part of the Dream Homes family. This will allow us to much better serve our clients in Long Beach Island and Southern Ocean County. We’ll discuss our next Free Building Seminar which is Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 at the Tuscan Bistro in Toms River. We’ll have some new speakers, including Robert Obsuth from Wells Fargo and Ron Hunsberger from Premier Modular Homes. Dream Homes is also proud to announce that we’ve AGAIN been voted Best of the Best in the Asbury Park Press reader’s choice for Best Modular Builder and Best Home Improvement Contractor (2nd year in a row!). We’ll let you know about a Sandy Survivor meeting on Monday with Candidate Andy Kim. We’ll talk about scheduling fall 2018 projects NOW so you can be in for Summer 2019, and how you can expedite permits. We introduce our newest service – Add-A-Level in 1 Day – with 100% Financing! Finally, we again welcome some new clients to the Dream Homes family.

Seminars and Events – Note: If you can’t attend in person, we stream seminars live on Facebook.

Our next Free Building & Real Estate Seminar will be held Wednesday November 14th, 2018 at 6 pm at the Tuscan Bar and Grill on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, across from the Ocean County Mall. We’ll be joined by Kathleen Dotoli, Esquire, Robert Obsuth from Wells Fargo, Ron Hunsberger from Premier Modular Homes, and Jason Devooght from Devooght House Lifters. We also stream on Facebook Live. If you can’t be there, watch us online and email questions or comments during the seminar.

Planning a new home, elevation or renovation? We’ve been offering this free seminar for 6 years and offer tons of helpful information. We’ll help you focus on starting your project and show you how to handle planning and design work.

For this seminar, we’ll also discuss modular homes and our newest offering – Modular Add-A-Level in 1 Day. We’ll have some excellent new Wells Fargo financing solutions for you as well.

As always, we talk about architectural and engineering planning, construction technique, RREM guidance, choosing the right builder and consumer safety cautions, financing your project, and tips about home elevation in general. We also talk about RREM issues, (the lunacy of) managing your own project, and ways to avoid delays and going over budget. So, mark the date and call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 to reserve your space if you want to attend. Pizza, wine and soft drinks will be served, and space is limited.

Monday marks the 6th Anniversary of Storm Sandy, and remarkably there are still many people who haven’t really gotten their lives back in order. Sad but true.

(We’re building as fast as we can, but alas, we’re not in charge of all construction in NJ).

In any case, one of our clients, Doug Quinn recently let us know that Candidate Andy Kim will be holding an informational session on Monday at approximately 1 pm. It will be held at the house we’re building for Doug, which is located at 15 Pine Crest Drive in Toms River.

Regardless of your politics, if you’d like to have your views heard about issues you’ve had dealing with Storm Sandy, or other local matters that affect all of us, stop by, meet the candidate and say hello.

Welcome to Premier Modular Homes – Newest Member of the Dream Homes family!

We’re proud to announce that Dream Homes has acquired Premier Modular Homes of Little Egg Harbor. With a full design center, office and construction space, we’ll be able to better serve our clients in Long Beach Island, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin and the entire Southern Ocean County area. A special thanks to our VP of Sales Lou Obsuth (Lou runs our Point Pleasant Modular Showroom and Kitchen Bath Design Center, and he was absolutely essential in bringing this new association to fruition.

We’re very lucky to have met Ron Hunsberger, President of Premier Modular for 23 years, who was searching for a company he felt could successfully continue his legacy. Ron and his wife Pamela are winding down and retiring to Florida after having built a fantastic company with a tremendous reputation. We’re proud – and honored – to carry on their tradition of modular construction excellence. Thank you, Ron, for your help, excellent guidance and continued introductions to, and referrals from your over 300 satisfied clients. We look forward to seeing you at the November 14th seminar.

Dream Homes – Awarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 & 2018 !!! in the Asbury Park Press Reader’s Choice Contest. That’s something we’re very proud of, but we’re even more proud that we’ve recently passed the milestone of 300 completed elevation/renovation projects since Storm Sandy. Dream looks forward to continuing to help our friends throughout New Jersey build & rebuild in the months and years ahead. Thanks to all the clients and friends who voted for us in that survey – last year and this year!

Add A Level in A Day? Is that possible? With 100% financing? That’s Crazy!!

Are you out of space? Your family may be growing, but your house isn’t! (unless you’re already one of our clients!).

If you thought you there was no way you could afford months out of your house to add to your living space, think again. We’ll set your second floor in a day and often you’ll be back in your house in a week.

Thought it was too expensive? We’ll add a second floor to your ranch for as low as $49,888!

We’ve done a lot of work in this area and have some very innovative techniques and solutions that are effective, inexpensive and very time sensitive.

Call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 today and let us show you how we can help you Grow Your House…😊😊

Tempus fugit! (that means Time is Fleeting, in Latin, and also stands for “Get the lead out, Mac…”): I’ve been banging this drum for years, but we all need to hear Calls to Action (myself included). Time will run out soon for projects you want to have completed by Spring / Summer 2019 unless you have signed a contract and are actively working on engineering and plans. Ideally, you have your plans submitted already, or are submitting very soon. If you’re still on the fence, call us at 609 693 8881 and we’ll help you get focused and moving forward.

Helloooo Hurricane Season & Winter There are numerous simple, free, common sense precautions you can make to prepare for any weather event, to address power outages, evacuations, flooding, wind, or any other emergency. You can’t prepare for everything, but the very act of making some effort is invaluable – and could save your life. This isso good I unashamedly repeat it in every blog…but NOW IT’S HURRICANE / WINTER SEASON AND IT’S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, SO DOWNLOAD IT AND PRINT IT NOW!!

I won’t list every item here, since I really want you to download and print the FEMA guide below so you have it, but a few simple items you can do or collect include: a go-bag (with medicine, money, ID and valuables), candles and matches, batteries, water, removing all loose items from outside, getting gas in your car (and for your generator), making sure you have non-perishable food for 1-2 weeks, know your evacuation route, think about your pets, and get out if they tell you to leave.

Today we welcome Pete and Elsie from Bayville, who’ve retained us after numerous discussions and seminar visits over the last several years. We also welcome Veronica, Herman, Claire and William from Surf City.

Thank you to all of you for trusting us with your home. We also need to mention the numerous referrals we’ve received in the last few weeks, from both our clients, as well as our trade partners.

As a reminder, being affected by another storm or hurricane is why people all over the world are elevating their homes. It’s not a question of if another storm will happen, but when it will occur. More people at the shore are just now realizing the need to retain a home improvement contractor or a new home builder registered or licensed in NJ to elevate or rebuild their homes. One of the most sobering recent statistics is that for the first time in history 2 separate Category 5 hurricanes hit the US mainland within one year (2017). To ignore this trend is foolish. One must accept that the fundamental choice is to move inland, away from the most probable path of hurricanes or to address the need to elevate your house at least 3’ above the base flood level in your area. 3’ above base flood also offers you the lowest available flood insurance rates.

Finally, by being proactive and elevating before an event, you insure that your home is always ready to either sell or mortgage, if you need to do either. Without being at the correct elevation, you’re going to take a $100,000 discount when you sell, and high flood insurance rates make it harder to finance or refinance your house.

RREM Grant – Use it or Lose it – Revocation due to Inaction & ICC Deadline – October 29, 2019

If you have a RREM grant and haven’t chosen a builder and signed a contract or otherwise signed a contract, you should do so – or risk losing your grant. That’s a reality.

We know homeowners are having RREM grants revoked due to inaction. If you’ve been awarded a grant and haven’t done anything for a long time (1-2 years), eventually you’re going to lose your grant. You must make some type of progress – hire a contractor, or if not, at least engage an architect or engineer. This is a really important step to demonstrate that you are proceeding. If you’re in this category, call us at 609 693 8881 and we’ll help you get focused and moving forward.

One very smart choice you can make if you haven’t started your RREM project yet or chosen a builder, is to make sure you choose someone who is very familiar with RREM and RREM paperwork.

We are experts at RREM paperwork and can save you countless hours during your project and afterward until you are completely closed out. we’ve completed over 300 elevation and new home projects since Sandy, and 65% of them were RREM.

Disturbingly and to make things more difficult for RREM folks, recently there’s been a wholesale changeover in RREM project managers across the board. Now the DCA is administering the balance of the RREM program. There is much pressure to close old files, or revoke those that have been awarded but not started.

RREM Clawbacks – Important repeat for RREM clients. See the 2/24/18 blog for more details….

Regarding your RREM scope of work (otherwise known as the ECR or Estimated Cost of Repairs), be aware that your general contractordoes not have to do all the work (you can!), Painting, spackle and interior trim are items we regularly encourage homeowners to do themselves if funds are tight. You can do items yourself if you are handy and would like to invest some sweat equity and save money. However, someone must do all the items, or money will be removed.

Having money removed from your grant can be significant, or not. Usually, we’ve found that the cost to have the work done is less than what RREM is paying you, in which case it behooves you to finish all items. If you’re stuck in this situation or just starting a RREM project, give us a call at 609 693 8881. We’ll help get you back on track or avoid any problems when you start.

Our Old Frenemy – Cost / Benefit: I hate to be repetitive, and I know it’s boring to some people…and I’ve written about this 2000 times, but many people consistently ignore the cost benefit equation. It’s vitally important to recognize and quantify the potential value you are gaining from improvements, versus the cost you are incurring. (I hate to keep including this in the blog, but it applies to everyone and is incredibly helpful. So, I keep repeating it).

My favorites are always decks, kitchens, baths and cosmetic improvements. I don’t like extensive remodeling for the sake of activity (unless it is a hobby for you and you have plenty of money), unless it includes one of the above categories. Refinishing basements and attics is also useful and cost effective – if you’re creating additional living or recreational space. However, these items must be budgeted so the cost doesn’t exceed the value you create.

Added caution: Sometimes an improvement makes sense if done moderately but makes no sense if overdone or done to excess.

An excellent example is installing a $30,000 kitchen, which adds $30,000 in value (plus or minus) or installing an $80,000 kitchen, which adds….$30,460 in value, plus or minus.

Remember – no one but you cares about your costly upgrades. Sad but true.

Make sure you really love what you’re doing – and that the enjoyment and improvement to your quality of life are worth the cost.

There is a Zen koan that reads, “It is not our preferences that hurt us, but rather our attachment to them.” Sometimes you just have to let things go that make little sense.

Zoning issues – Building anywhere in NJ? Beware!! Partial repeat: In general, zoning officers can be difficult to deal with, and the experience is complicated by interpretation of codes and subtle nuances between townships. Many zoning officers we’ve dealt with in NJ don’t have a clue what they’re doing since Storm Sandy changed the playing field. Sad but true.

“Pre-existing, non-conforming condition” is exactly like it sounds – a condition that was approved years (or decades ago) which doesn’t meet current zoning requirements. A general rule of thumb is that if you don’t remove the item (house, deck, etc.) and you are doing an elevation project to meet new flood codes, you are ok.

For a good discussion and the remainder of this article on “pre-existing, non-conforming” conditions, see the 2/3/18 blog. Or come to our next FREE Building Seminar.

Please Note: This subject is complex, often much more than it appears. For assistance and consultation, call us at 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619.

Building costs increased, for the third year in a row – Steel has increased 50% year to year – Lumber prices have increased 8% since the new Canada tariffs If you’ve quoted a foundation a year ago and waited until now, the steel in the foundation alone may be $500 – $1500 more. A 1200 square foot house lumber package has increased by $1400. Skilled labor has become more difficult to find and keep, although that’s getting slightly better. Keep these items in mind when you are finalizing your project costs and estimates. If you have an estimate that is a year old, expect that the project estimate may increase slightly (3%-4%). Another caution: Material costs have increased throughout 2018 and will continue into 2019. If you’re planning a project, try and secure fixed pricing now, or as soon as you can.

Design & Hiring Your Own Architect: The design & architectural fees are usually itemized separately and are (for us) a pass-through cost. In other words, we oversee the entire design process and it costs our clients the same amount (usually much less) of money than if the homeowner deals with the architect directly. This also results in significant savings in both construction design and redesign fees. Remember – the personwho is going to build theproject should be involved in the design from inception, so best practices can be designed in from the start. Author’s note from 2017: We successfully completed 42 projects in 2017, and 8 of them were with plans that the homeowner produced prior to retaining us. In all 8 projects, the plans and the scope of work had to be modified, the architecture and engineering cost was higher than we charge for the same work, and there were significant delays in each project.

Moral of the story and a word to the wise – for a new home, elevation or significant renovation, unless you really know what you’re doing and are going to oversee and build the project yourself, let your builder/general contractor provide you with a design/build package. It will save you time, money and grief.

Dream Homes Products & Services – Did You Know We Offer all these services?

New Custom built and Modular Homes – Elevations and House Moves – Modular 1 day Add-A-Level Service – Interior and Exterior Renovations & Additions – Kitchens & Baths – Roofing, Siding and Windows – Decks and railings – Masonry and Pavers – Engineering, Variance applications and Land Use – Permitting, Surveying and Project Management – Land Development and Approvals.

Though we’re known more for new homes and elevation projects than kitchens and baths, we also do quite a bit of remodeling. An excellent place for you to start is at our Custom Modular, Kitchen & Bath design studio at 2109 Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, with complete kitchen layouts, flooring selections and our own in-house modular home design studio. Since we’ve designed and built over 1800 new homes since 1993, we are well equipped to accommodate your remodeling needs, from the simple to the most complex. Call 609 693 8881 to schedule an appointment or just stop by. You’re invited to visit us and see what we have – hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 – 2, closed on Tuesday, with other hours by appointment.

Dream Homes FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) Partial Repeat

We have a great FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on our web site. Click on www.dreamhomesltd.com and FAQs on the Home Page. Read what you can expect when you choose Dream Homes as your builder – and what we feel you deserve.

Solar Power at Home –More Info and link: For the full story check the 10/29/17 blog, and here is the link.

Dream Homes & Development Corporation – About us: Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCOB: Ticker DREM) is a publicly traded, fully reporting (audited) company and is one of the region’s most trusted new home builder and home improvement contractors. Dream Homes wasawarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 by the Asbury Park Press. Dream Homes is growing, improving our operations and service and adding new members to our team to better serve you. You can view financials on our web site at www.dreamhomesltd.com. Click on the SEC tab at the bottom of the page for information. Our ticker symbol is DREM.

Dream Homes has a main office in Forked River a Jersey Dream Modular Design Center in Point Pleasant, and now our newest showroom & office location at Premier Modular Homes in Little Egg. We’re the only public company managing home elevation work in New Jersey, and one of the few to offer complete residential services, whether custom or modular, elevation or renovation. You can view all the information about us online and if you like us and believe in what we’re doing, we would love to have you as shareholders. For more information and an information package, contact Matt Chipman, our investor relations person. Matt can be reached at (818) 923-5302, (310) 709-5646 or matt@GreenChipIR.com. You can view our operational results and financials at any time on our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com or at www.sec.gov.

Mission Statement and Comment: At Dream Homes, we’re the region’s most trusted builder and we’ll help you when no one else will. We regularly handle messy and unpleasant real estate, construction and renovation situations. We do the elevation, renovation and new home projects that few other people can do, and help people finish and get back in their homes. If you’re stuck and can’t figure out how to proceed, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.

At Dream Homes, we believe that taking on difficult unpopular projects is part of the social contract we have with the community and the Jersey Shore. We’ve never abandoned a client or failed to finish a project – we feel very strongly that it is our obligation to help Sandsters and others in need.

Insulation & Wall Thickness – How Much Is Needed and What’s Involved? See the blog of 11/18/17 for useful information on Insulation technique, wall thicknesses & energy efficiency

Siding, Trim and other Exterior Finishes: See the blog of 8/26/17 for useful information on choices for siding, trim and other finishes.

New Beach Bungalow on your lot from $89,800!!This model is perfect for many small lots in the shore area including Ocean Beach, Lavallette, Ortley and South Seaside Park.

Seaview and Bayview Models: From $149,000 including demolition. These homes are 2-3 bedrooms and 2 baths and suitable for 40-60 foot wide lots. Call 609 693 8881 for details.

Is your home improvement contractor or new home builders willing to provide a turn-key project? This business is messy, requires diverse skill sets and deep administrative support and places all responsibility for everything directly on the builder’s shoulders. Dream Homes regularly perform turn-key renovation and design build projects and will remain as one of the best, solid companies in the years to come. This matters to you because if a company isn’t committed to being in the line of work for which you are contracting, they will not support it correctly during and after the project. That means less resources (personnel and otherwise) devoted to your project. Currently at Dream Homes, we’ve been actively hiring carpenters, helpers, marketing and support staff for 2 years. We’re committed to the elevation /renovation business and improve every single day – our commitment to provide additional, better resources to our clients is ongoing.

Moral of the story: Try and avoid working with any company not committed to the type of project you are undertaking. Ask to see current projects in process or being started.

Need to Phone a Friend? Need a Rescue? Scheduling for Priority projects – If you’re stuck in a stalled project for whatever reason (contractor in jail or indicted, bankrupt, lazy, inept, no money, etc.) we’ll help you with a prompt evaluation of your situation. We do consultation and estimates immediately for projects that are stuck. It doesn’t change what happened to you in the past, but at least you’ll know how to get back on track, without chasing someone for a month to get an initial meeting and written estimate. As a note, often we’re the only company willing to finish projects that have been abandoned.

Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esquire – Consumer Protection: Kathleen is a workers’ compensation and disability attorney in Toms River and speaks regularly at our Rebuilding Seminar. Kathy gives an excellent presentation about consumer protection that will save you money and grief. (Next one is Wednesday, November 14th, 2018). Email Kathy at kmdotoli611@aol.com or call her office at 732 228 7534 for a copy of her seminar presentation or see her at our seminar.

Remember – if you have a specific question, send me an email or a text. Don’t wait for a seminar or a site visit to clarify a point. Whether you are a Dream Homes client or not, I’ll always try and help you or guide you in the right direction. If you’ve sent an email or left a voice mail and haven’t received a response, try and contact me again. Messages are lost occasionally.

Note to All: Though I write this blog and host the Building seminars to help guide homeowners through the maze that is any construction project, Dream Homes does all the work that I write about. Dream Homes & Development Corp. and Dream Building LLC are new home builders and general contractors who are actively renovating and reconstructing projects up and down the shore. We supervise and manage elevation projects & house moves, demolish and build new homes, and develop and build entire new neighborhoods. In the past 25 years, we’ve completed over 1650 new homes, 250 elevation & renovation projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial buildings. 28 of our elevation projects have been rescue projects, where we came in to save a homeowner when someone else left. Dream builds new custom and modular homes, demolishes existing damaged homes, elevates and move homes, complete additions and renovations and rescues homeowners when their other contractors abandon them. We work with clients throughout New Jersey, including the RREM program. Call, text or email to set up an appointment for a free estimate on your rebuilding project.

That’s all for today friends. I hope my words help you move forward. As always, call or write with any questions.